When will your 2012 schedule be posted?
We are working hard at upgrading our website, and hope to have all our camp information online by early January. If you want to get a jump on your summer planning, you can download our tentitive schedule here. Topics and dates will probably not change, but we are in the process of confirming locations so those are subject to change. If you would like to be notified when we add locations or post new camps please email edu@madscienceofdc.com to be added to our mailing list.
What is a Mad Science Camp?
Mad Science camps are designed for exciting fun hands-on science activities. Your child will become a junior scientist for the week, having the opportunity to experience a variety of science adventures. We use an inquiry-based technique that allows even the youngest camper to enjoy learning. Children will design, create, build and assemble a variety of interesting projects and will take at least one project home every day. Children should dress comfortably and come ready to have some fun!
What is the child to instructor ratio?
The child to instructor ratio varies depending on enrollment. We always have at least one counselor for every 13 students.
What ages are the camps designed for?
Most of our camps are designed for rising first graders to rising sixth graders. For our Red Hot Robots camp and our 3, 2, 1 Blast-Off! camp its rising second graders to sixth graders. If you have a 5-year old child who is entering kindergarten some camps may be appropriate, please call us for recommendations.
Are different aged children in the same camp?
Yes and no. In most of our camps we use a buddy system whereby the older children will sometimes help the younger ones. Also, with two instructors in every camp, there is always plenty of help. For most of the activities, the children work in small groups. However, a few of our camps are segregated by ages. Please see the registration form to see which camps are divided by age.
Who are the Mad Science camp instructors?
Most of our instructors are people who have worked for us in our after-school programs that we conduct in over 180 schools every spring and fall semester. All of them have experience working with children. We also do a criminal background check on each one. One of their main characteristics is their love of working with children.
What is the difference between a half-day camp and a full day camp?
Mad Science currently offers 30 hours of programming for our summer camp. The half day option simply covers 15 hours of camp fun over 5 days. The half day program does not do all the programming of the full day. Please call us for more details.
How long has Mad Science been doing camps?
This is the 11th year that we will be running our week long summer camps in the DC metro area. Mad Science of Washington is a franchise of The Mad Science Group in Montreal Canada. There are over 150 Mad Science franchises all over the world. The Mad Science Group has been providing Mad Science programs for over 20 years.
How do I register my child for a camp?
If you are paying by VISA, MasterCard, Discover or check you can use our on-line registration system. If you prefer you may also call us to register over the phone or download a paper registration here. Due to limited spaces in each camp, we cannot reserve a space for your child until we receive your payment. If you are paying by check, we do not reserve a space until we receive your check.
How soon do I need to register to reserve a space for my child?
This is the toughest question we get because we have no idea. Some camps and dates fill very quickly, while some may have spaces available up to the start date. We recommend that you register as soon as possible. Register early to reserve your child a space!
What is your refund policy?
If you cancel 3 weeks or more before the camp start date, you can get a full refund minus a $25 cancellation fee. Any cancellation received within the three weeks prior to the start of camp will be subject to a $50 cancellation fee. The cancellation request must be made in writing via email at camps@madscienceofdc.com or fax 301-593-7062.
If your child decides he or she doesn't want to continue after the first day of camp, you may withdraw and receive a full refund. A $50 cancellation fee will be charged and the balance will be refunded. However, you must call Mad Science at (301) 593-4777 prior to the start of the second day of camp to obtain a refund. After that, no refunds will be given.
Can I sign my child up for more than 1 camp?
Yes. Many children sign up for multiple camps. Each one is totally different so that your child can enjoy them all without repeating activities.
My child has attended a Mad Science camp before. If he/she took a particular camp, will it be the same camp that he/she has taken before?
The camps have remained the same as the ones that we have used in the past. For example, if he/she has taken Science in Motion camp before, many of the activities will be the same. However, each year we make some changes so there will be a few different things. We have had a lot of children take a particular camp again and still enjoy it the second time.
My child has taken a Mad Science camp before, but I do not remember which one.
Call us and we will be happy to look it up for you.
Are these the only locations where you are holding your camps this summer?
Maybe not. We may be adding locations, especially in the outlying areas. Also, if you can get at least 15 children and can provide a location, we will bring a camp to you. Usually, we can customize something to fit the times and dates that you want. Call us –We would love to work with you.
Do you provide a lunch with the 6-hour camp?
No. You must send a peanut free sack lunch with your child as well as any snack he or she may want during the day. Occasionally, our experiments are edible and they will act as a snack.
Do you offer extended care?
Yes at most camps. Please check the schedule and locations page as some camps do not offer extended care. The hours are for the AM: 8-9 and PM from 4-6. The cost is $10 per day for the AM; $15 per day for the PM; and $20 per day for both AM and PM.
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